Live Figure Sculpting with Christina Joseph
- Overview
- Location and Dates
- About The Artist
- Policies
Discover the art of figure sculpture in this immersive two-day workshop! Day One, you'll dive into the creative process, using a live model as your muse to construct and carve dynamic, expressive forms in clay. Day Two shifts focus to the essential techniques of hollowing and refining your sculpture and preparing it for the firing. This hands-on course will equip you with foundational skills in ceramic figure sculpture, leaving you with both a finished piece and an empowering experience to advance your journey into figure sculpture.
Additional Information:
- A 25-pound bag of cone 5 clay will be provided. Bisque firing is included in the workshop fee.
- Skill Level Required: Open to all skill levels. No prior hand-building experience is necessary.
588 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Saturday, April 26th // 1 pm - 4 pm
- Sunday, February 16th // 1 pm - 5 pm
Christina Joseph: My work has always been heavily intertwined with my identity/experience as a Black woman. My past works look at historical depictions of Black people as objects of use and reevaluating and subverting the representation into a dignified elevated perspective.
I am interested in how these tropes have been used throughout history to
craft a narrative, a storyline for Black America to identify with.
I have been reflecting on how racist stereotypes have historically been
weaponized to craft a narrative for Black America to identify with—one often marked by
hypersexualization, ignorance, or a profound sense of emptiness. These harmful
portrayals persist, seeping into the collective subconscious and shaping perceptions of
what it means to be Black in America. Such stereotypes reduce the complexity of Black
identity and suggest that our societal role is intrinsically tied to a false narrative of
diminished intellect and self-worth. When a person’s understanding of themselves is manipulated, their perception becomes a mechanism of control—a powerful tool of oppression. Through my work, I seek to challenge and dismantle these imposed narratives by creating a more authentic representation of the Black experience in art.
Clay, with its rich history and deep ties to human culture, provides a fitting
medium for this exploration. The material itself serves as both a metaphor and a method for analyzing the relationships between human experience, objectivity, and our
connection to the outside world. By shaping clay into objects that embody the
multifaceted realities of Black life, I aim to spark conversations about identity, resilience, and the reclamation of self-image by creating work that reclaims and reinterprets Black narratives while examining the relationship between human experience and the external world.
Recently, I’ve been inspired to incorporate Black literature and mythology into my
work. At a time when the masterworks of these incredible writers and poets are at risk of becoming inaccessible, I feel compelled to create art that honors and preserves their
legacy. As we question the validity of our cultural idols, I believe we must uplift the
poetic voices of those who have deeply understood and articulated the enduring
struggles that burden this country at its core. In their words, I find a remedy for surviving strife, scarcity, and hardship. History has taught us to turn to art and literature born from periods of struggle, recognizing the richness of human resilience and potential. With my work, I strive to unearth and explore the depth and complexity of these themes.
- By enrolling in a class or workshop, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the safety instructions and liability waiver.
- Please plan to arrive early so we can start class promptly at the scheduled time.
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There is a cancellation fee of $20 for all workshops. Cancellations made 4 or more days before the date of class will be refunded minus this fee. For cancellations made fewer than 4 full days, but more than 24 hours before the start time, a 50% refund or 50% credit toward another class or workshop will be issued. We cannot provide refunds or credits for cancellations or rescheduling requests made fewer than 24 hours before the start time of class, if you miss your class, or arrive too late to participate.
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Our classes are intended for adults. If you have a child under 18 who is interested in taking a class, please email us before enrolling.